Whiplash – Definition

Whiplash – Causes

Whiplash can occur with any sudden, violent, backward jerk of the head or neck that can often occur during:

Motor vehicle accidents

Athletic injuries

Falls

Assaults

Whiplash – Risk Factors

Risk factors for whiplash include:

Age: young adults

Sex: male

Ankylosing spondylitis (a rheumatic disease that can effect the spine)

Risk factors for poor outcome or longer recovery include being:

An older woman

In a truck

A passenger

Hit by a moving object

Hit head-on or perpendicular

Involved in litigation

Affected with severe pain or radicular symptoms

Whiplash – Symptoms

The symptoms usually develop over the several hours after the injury. Within 24 hours of the symptoms tend to reach their peak.

Symptoms include:

Stiff neck

Neck pain

Numbness or tingling

Shoulder pain and stiffness

Decreased range of neck motion

Muscle spasms

Headache

Pain, numbness, or tingling extending down an arm

Whiplash – Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms. You will be asked how the injury occurred. A physical exam will be done. Although most whiplash injuries do not show up on imaging tests, your doctor may choose to order some tests to make sure that no other injuries.

Tests may include:

Neck x-rays — a test that uses radiation to take a picture of structures in the neck, especially bones

CT scan — a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of the bony structures inside the neck

MRI scan — a test that uses magnetic waves to make pictures of bony and soft tissue structures inside the neck

CT myelogram — a test that uses dye to better see structures in the neck

Electrodiagnostic testing — also known as EMG, test muscles

Whiplash – Treatment

Treatment includes:

Heat or ice packs — Talk with your doctor about using heat or ice to relieve muscle tension and pain. Wrap the heat or ice pack in a towel. Never place it directly on the skin.

Medications — These may include:

Pain relievers

Anti-inflammatories

Muscle relaxants

Neck (cervical) collar — This may be given for short-term or occasional use. It will depend upon the extent of injury.

Current belief is that a better recovery can result from earlier activity including:

Physical therapy — therapy and modalities may help strengthen neck muscles and improve neck motion; exercises may begin within two days of injury

Mobilization

There is some evidence of the effect of the following:

Chiropractic — manipulation of the spine done by a chiropractor

Cervical facet injections

Radiofrequency neurotomy

Pulsed magnetic field treatment

If you are diagnosed with whiplash, follow your doctor’s instructions.

Whiplash – Prevention

There are no guidelines for preventing whiplash. It often occurs due to an unexpected event.